Medium format cameras promise superior picture high quality over full body, however the actual query is not whether or not they’re higher. It’s when you possibly can really see that distinction with your individual eyes.
Coming to you from Manny Ortiz, this revealing video tackles the medium format versus full body debate with precise side-by-side comparisons that present precisely when medium format cameras just like the Hasselblad X2D shine. Ortiz spent two years taking pictures with medium format methods and found one thing shocking about when the benefit turns into seen. The largest distinction is not what most individuals anticipate it to be. It’s not the 100-megapixel decision or the additional dynamic vary that makes medium format particular. The magic occurs within the colours and tonal transitions, significantly whenever you’re working with contrasty lighting conditions the place harsh gentle sources create dramatic shadows and highlights.
Ortiz demonstrates this phenomenon with studio portraits shot underneath slit lighting, evaluating the Hasselblad X2D in opposition to full body cameras. The medium format information present dramatically smoother spotlight rolloff and richer pores and skin tones that look virtually three-dimensional on display. When he zooms into the pores and skin particulars, the distinction turns into jaw-dropping. The Hasselblad renders micro-contrast and coloration transitions that make the topic seem extra lifelike and dimensional. But this is the catch which may shock you and will prevent 1000’s of {dollars}. Sometimes you merely cannot see any significant distinction between the 2 codecs, even when pixel-peeping on a high-resolution monitor. Ortiz reveals a number of examples the place full body holds its personal fully, significantly in evenly lit situations like out of doors portraits underneath giant scrims.
This inconsistency reveals the true nature of medium format’s benefits and limitations. The video reveals particular lighting circumstances the place medium format actually excels, but in addition exposes the sensible drawbacks which may make you rethink your improve path. Autofocus efficiency lags considerably behind full body methods, and the digicam shoots solely three frames per second and lacks steady autofocus, which Ortiz admits slows down his taking pictures and causes him to overlook pictures. File sizes exceed 200 megabytes every, creating storage and workflow challenges. Lens choice stays restricted in comparison with the huge full body ecosystem, although Ortiz notes they ship distinctive optical high quality with each medical sharpness and pleasing character. The 4:3 side ratio supplies extra room for portraits, nonetheless.
Ortiz addresses the elephant within the room about whether or not purchasers will really discover these variations in closing deliverables. He admits that Instagram compression and typical viewing circumstances remove a lot of the medium format benefits, making the improve primarily about private satisfaction somewhat than consumer notion. Check out the video above for the total rundown from Ortiz.